Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William M. Goree (ASN:” 34733481), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 14 November 1944, in France. In the village of Landroff, France, the reconnaissance officer and his section were with light infantry and armored forces. Enemy forces in total strength estimated at one division, part of which had but a few hours previously been driven from Landroff, were located along and behind wooded ridges forming an arc 500 to 1,000 yards from the village, to the east, northeast and north. At approximately 2200 hours, while Sergeant Goree was standing guard on an enclosed porch he saw enemy personnel infiltrating the nearby orchard. He waited until they were grouped, then stepped from his hiding place and threw a grenade into their midst. Several of the enemy were liquidated. The remainder, failing to see Sergeant Goree, sprayed the orchard and a nearby building with automatic rifle fire. Sergeant Goree, taking his target from the rifle flashes, threw another grenade which eliminated more of the enemy and the remainder fled. Later during his guard tour, Sergeant Goree saw a lone enemy rifleman creeping along the edge of a nearby building. He shot and killed this enemy. During the recurrent enemy activity throughout the ensuing night, Sergeant Goree led his men in maintaining guard and in assembling information for the guns of his battalion, enabling them to direct destructive fire which routed the counterattack efforts of the enemy. The courage, initiative, and leadership of Sergeant Goree reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

Awards Received